The Guide to SkyTeam Lounges

Airports can be stressful and noisy, which is why having access to an airport lounge is always a welcome benefit. Some airlines have their own lounge network (like Delta Sky Club) and charge for membership. Then there are Priority Pass lounges, which charge a membership fee for the access card. Many credit cards also include Priority Pass lounge access, including the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

There is another type of lounge: those operated by airline alliances like Star Alliance and SkyTeam. There are also airline-operated lounges that are part of the SkyTeam network, but here we’re going to focus on the alliance-operated lounges. These typically only permit passengers to enter based upon their elite status or type of ticket (although some allow entry with Priority Pass).

Here's a helpful guide to SkyTeam airline lounges worth checking out if you're able.

SkyTeam frequent flyers with top elite status or those flying in premium cabins can enjoy access to more than 750 lounges across 18 member airlines. In addition, there are five unique SkyTeam-branded lounges in cities around the world. SkyTeam Elite Plus status will get you and a guest into these lounges.

Achieving SkyTeam Elite Plus status depends on the airline loyalty program that you are using. For example, Delta Gold, Platinum and Diamond Medallion members qualify for SkyTeam Elite Plus status while Silver Medallion (Delta’s lowest elite tier) does not.

If you’re curious what the SkyTeam-branded lounges look like inside, the alliance has 360-degree tours of them online. There’s also a “lounge finder,” which lets travelers search by airport to find an eligible lounge.

» Learn more: The credit cards that offer airport lounge access

Passengers traveling in premium cabins as well as SkyTeam Elite Plus members traveling internationally on an alliance airline’s flight in any cabin can access member airline and alliance-branded lounges. Travelers with Elite Plus status are allowed to bring one guest as long as they are also traveling on a SkyTeam flight on the same day (it doesn’t have to be the same flight, however).

In addition, there are other airline and contract lounges accessible to SkyTeam passengers, but let’s take a glance at each of the alliance’s branded lounges.

Dubai

Location: In Terminal 1, Concourse D.

Hours: 24 hours.

More info: SkyTeam Dubai Lounge

Serving the many SkyTeam airlines that fly to Dubai, this lounge features the SkyTeam lounge signature living wall with plants, a kids' play area and business center. Visitors can indulge in the buffet of hot and cold meals, self-service drink area, and plenty of comfortable seating.

The lounge also has showers and a separate TV room so that those watching something don’t disturb other travelers. Even better, this lounge is part of Priority Pass, which means it is open to even more travelers including those that are not flying SkyTeam. Just keep in mind when entering via Priority Pass, the entry hours are limited to between 2 a.m. and 8 p.m.

» Learn more: Priority Pass lounges that are worth a visit

Istanbul

Location: On the west wing, this lounge has an elevated position on level H.

Hours: 24 hours.

More info: SkyTeam Istanbul Lounge

This lounge offers open views of the main terminal and features a locally-inspired food menu. Travelers, whether they are starting their journey in Turkey or just passing through, can taste regional cuisine including Turkish pizza (called pide) from a live cooking station, mezze options and a self-service bar with Turkish wine. There is also traditional Turkish tea and desserts plus international dishes on offer.

The lounge features showers, work and relaxation areas, a live moss wall and a TV room. There is enough seating for as many as 145 visitors.

Santiago

Location: In Pier E of Terminal 2.

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily (except Monday and Thursday when it closes at 10 p.m.).

More info: SkyTeam Santiago Lounge

This is the newest SkyTeam-branded lounge to open and the first of its kind in South America. It features a living plant wall and copper accents that represent the copper industry in Chile. The menu includes regional dishes like ceviche and empanadas, which travelers can enjoy while looking out over the Andes Mountains. The open bar also includes a selection of Chilean wines.

Priority Pass cardholders can use the lounge, too, but in an odd twist, it is only available to passengers on SkyTeam flights (typically, Priority Pass lounges do not specify a particular airline). Still, if you don’t qualify for entry by having SkyTeam Elite Plus or sitting in a premium cabin, Priority Pass can get you in the door.

Sydney

Location: In Pier B of the international terminal, next to gate 24.

Hours: Temporarily closed.

More info: SkyTeam Sydney Lounge

Temporarily closed, this lounge will be an important perk for SkyTeam flyers when it reopens, especially since Sydney is the main hub for Oneworld member Qantas, which has impressive lounge facilities of its own. SkyTeam wouldn’t want its own passengers to feel left out.

The lounge features a self-service bar including a dedicated wine selection, buffet with hot and cold meals, and a living wall that features 60 different species of plants. Travelers can also refresh between or before a flight with shower facilities or catch up on work in the business center.

Vancouver

Location: In the west wing of the International Concourse D, near gate 53.

Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily except Monday (7:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.) and Wednesday (7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.).

More info: SkyTeam Vancouver Lounge

The views are entertaining via the enormous windows overlooking the airport. On the buffet is a variety of hot and cold meals, including regionally inspired cuisine plus a self-service bar and wine area where guests can serve themselves. Many of the wines are from the Pacific Northwest, and there are several local craft beer selections from area microbreweries.

A signature green wall is behind reception. Visitors can use shower facilities, a business center, TV room and quiet area with lounge chairs. One popular section of the lounge is the noodle bar where passengers can order a bespoke dish before they board. The lounge is part of the Priority Pass program, which means Priority Pass cardholders can access the lounge even if they are flying a non-SkyTeam airline.

Whether you enter via elite status benefits, holding a premium cabin ticket or (where eligible) using Priority Pass, these SkyTeam-branded lounges offer plenty to eat and drink plus space to relax. Knowing which lounges you can access before departure can help make the pre-departure wait more pleasant.